Athabasca Basin Development named Business of the Year
- EFN Staff | December 09, 2014
What started as a small business with high hopes for some northern communities, Athabasca Basin Development’s (ABD) growth into a giant employer and profit producer in the north has now seen them recognized as this year’s Business of the Year by SaskBusiness Magazine. Athabasca Basin Development joins an elite group of previous winners, including Cameco, Mosaic, Concorde Group of Companies, and Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.
“We are proud, and very humbled, to have received this recognition,” says Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development. “As an Aboriginal-owned investment company, we started from humble beginnings and have worked hard over the last twelve years, reinvesting earnings to grow our company. Back in the early days, we never would have imagined we would be where we are today, and we are incredibly honoured to have been chosen as this year’s Business of the Year.”
ABD started out with a minor road repair contract worth approximately $65,000. Last year the mining supply chain giant billed out $170 million and has 1000 employees in its 13 different companies. That growth and economic development makes a big impact in the communities.
“The recognition and achievement from this honour goes back to the community and the young people see that,” said Anne Robillard who is from Wollaston and Hatchet Lake and is Chair of the Board of ABD. “As an individual I go back to the community and talk about economic development. We live in the north. Though we are isolated we want our business to grow in the province. We want our kids to have a healthy lifestyle and the north has to be ready for the economy. We are slowly getting there although it is a slow process. Working with our young to get them educated and brought back to our communities. That’s where economic development helps.”
Robillard say that the honour belongs to everyone who contributed. “This is all about teamwork. There really is no limit to what we can reach. We went for it. We have a good CEO that drags us toward good opportunities. This is exciting and I am really proud of my colleagues, the board of directors and Geoff for taking us way beyond the arms length of the business we started ten years ago and to where we are today.”
ABD is involved in mine security and construction, road work, ownership in an airline as well as a drink distribution company. They also invest large sums of money into community development, including $250,000 last year towards improving cell coverage in the north by investing in cell towers.
“The Business of the Year is awarded to companies that have given back to the community and remained admirable corporate citizens,” says Twila Redekopp, Publisher at SaskBusiness Magazine. “It is a way to show our appreciation to innovative, well respected and benevolent businesses. This year we are happy to recognize ABD for their contribution to the Saskatchewan economy and more importantly, our communities.”
“Our company was built on the foundation of seven communities uniting together, and without it, we would not be where we are today,” says Gay. “There are so many people who have contributed to our success – industry, our shareholders, management and employees. Without all of them, we would not be where we are today. It is with this continued support and investment from our partners that we will see more success into the future.”
Visit our Business section for more related stories.